Beets

Beets tagged as "New 2019"

Growing Tips

Planting

Plant seed 1” apart and thin to 2” apart. Row spacing ranges from 15” - 24”. Seed depth should be ¼” - ½” deep. Poor stands are often the result of planting too deeply or the soil’s crusting after a heavy rain. The seedlings may emerge over a relatively long period of time, making a stand of different sizes and ages of seedlings.

Management

It is extremely important to thin beets because they are a multigerm seed meaning each seed will produce several plants. Beets that are thinned when they reach approximately 3” tall can be used as greens. Frequent and shallow cultivation is important to keep the soil loose around the growing beet to ensure uniform roots. Note: There is monogerm beet seed available.

Harvest

Beets can be harvested whenever they grow to the desired size. About 60 days are required for beets to reach 1½” in diameter, the size often used for cooking, pickling or canning.

Storage

Beets may be stored in a polyethylene bag in a refrigerator for several weeks. Cut off the tops of the beets one inch above the roots. Beets store the best at 32ºF and 95% humidity. Do not freeze.